Printable Tips

If you are not used to the Internet, here are some very basic tips to help you find your way around most websites. Note: when we say "click" we mean click once with the left-hand mouse button.

A web page has CLICKABLE LINKS, which open related pages. A clickable link means the mouse cursor changes to a POINTING HAND when you move the mouse over a piece of text or a picture. Click when you see the pointing hand to open the related page.

Click the BACK BUTTON at the top left-hand side of your window if you need to go back to the previous page. Keep clicking the Back button to go further back in the sequence of pages you opened.

Sometimes clicking on a link opens a SECOND WINDOW, which sits on top of the one you were in. If you subsequently clicked on further links and then used the Back button to go back, the Back button appears dull at the point where you cannot go back further in that window. Close it (click X in the top right corner of that window, Mac users click the red spot, top left corner) to reveal the original window which was underneath all the time.

Always use your SCROLL BARS especially DOWN. Many web pages are longer than your screen, so you can't see the whole page all at once. Small scroll bars sometimes appear in smaller frames within the main window.

Learn how to interpret HOW THE PAGE IS ARRANGED. Many web pages contain masses of information and can seem overwhelming. Look for the CONTENTS lists, which take you to the main "sections " of the site, often down the left-hand side of the page, or arranged as "tabs" across the top.

Look for the layout STRUCTURE: is it in columns, how many are there? Identify which areas contain PRIMARY information; often a wider, centre column. Identify which areas contain ADDITIONAL DETAILS e.g. special offers, and which areas contain SPONSOR ADVERTISEMENTS.

Be very wary of TEMPTING OR ALARMING FLASHING ADVERTISEMENTS that occasionally pop up. They are often trying to sell you something and if you click on them sometimes you can't get rid of them. Don't click on anything that says "Download" unless you are absolutely certain you know what it is.

Many web pages require you to TYPE INFORMATION IN to special slots. CLICK IN THE SLOT and make sure the text cursor is flashing there, otherwise no typing will appear.

A small black arrow at the end of a slot indicates a DROP-DOWN LIST giving you alternatives. Click on the arrow and then click on your chosen alternative in the list to "load" it into the slot.

Often there is a useful SEARCH function within a site. Type KEY WORDS of your choice into the Search slot, and click on a nearby button that says something like "search", "go", "find now" etc.

To ENLARGE THE TEXT SIZE click on the View Menu at the top of your screen and select Text Size. Click on the size you want. This size will remain in force until you change it again.

Use the FAVOURITES function (in the Favourites Menu at the top of your screen, some browsers call it Bookmarks) to 'bookmark' useful websites and be able to return to them directly in future.

STAY POSITIVE! Don't be tempted to dismiss the whole Internet if a few websites seem confusing or you get lost. Start with one or two you like and gradually try new ones.

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Internet help for the elderly

Updated July 2010

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